A still from the Coastguard footage showing the pair on the ridge. Image: MCA

Two ski mountaineers were winched to safety by a rescue helicopter after spending the night in sub-zero temperatures on a Glen Coe Mountain.

The pair called for help on Friday night when they got stuck on a precarious ridge on Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

The two mountaineers called 999 and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team was alerted but team members were unable to reach the pair because of blizzard conditions. A team spokesperson said: “Serious conditions on the hill leading to some hard decisions on a callout lasting through the night.”

The two people had to spend the night without shelter on a ridge about 3,000ft up on the snow-covered mountain, about 1.5km south-east of the summit of Bidean nam Bian, the highest peak in Argyll.

The Inverness Coastguard helicopter was scrambled at first light on Saturday and flew to the area. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency released footage of the rescue, showing the pair on an exposed ridge.

An MCA spokesperson said: “The stranded pair were located by the HM Coastguard helicopter just after 8.30 on Saturday morning.

“They were found in a precarious position, next to a steep drop, before being winched onto the helicopter.”

They were taken to Torlundy, Fort William, and handed over to ambulance staff.

The spokesperson said: “We would advise people to ‘think safety first’ and don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger if venturing into the mountains.

“You should tell a friend or family member of where you are going and when you plan to return.

“Remember to be prepared. UK mountains should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced people.

“Severe weather condition could mean a change in your environment within minutes and navigation could be difficult. Whiteout snow conditions could also make paths and tracks dangerously impassable.”

Footage of the rescue taken by the crew of the Inverness Coastguard helicopter